The 5-foot-6 senior Simmons posted 35 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals. She shot 16-for-28 from the floor, and accounted for 53 of her team's points. River Hawks not named Bianca Simmons combined to score 32 points.

"Bianca is amazing," said UMass Lowell head coach Sarah Behn, whose team won their ninth straight to improve to 14-4 (11-3 NE-10). "I would say the supporting cast was a little off today. They all can play much better, and as great as Bianca played, she can play better."

That's a scary thought for opponents, considering Simmons (the nation's leading scorer) was even displaying a potent low post game with an array of moves that would have made Kevin McHale proud.

UMass Lowell led for the final 35 of the 40 minutes. Yet, the Golden Knights (6-12, 3-11) had a shot to win it at the buzzer. Luckily for the River Hawks, sophomore guard Gabie Polce's long three rimmed out. Polce, a former Central Catholic star and Chelmsford native, had 16 points and six rebounds for Saint Rose.

"That last five minutes of this game is not how we want to play," said Behn.

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"Saint Rose plays everybody super tough. We knew this was going to be a battle. However, we shot ourselves in the foot by missing layups, missing free throws, and playing real tight mentally."

The River Hawks led 38-28 at the half. Saint Rose battled to get it to 40-36 with 16:26 left, but UML promptly regained control with a 50-36 lead with 13:29 remaining. The advantage stayed at eight or more until there was 5:02 left.

The feisty Golden Knights were able to cut it all the way down to 64-63 with 31 seconds left after a layup by Desiree Simmons (16 points).

UMass Lowell freshman guard Melissa Frase (six points) converted a tough drive and was fouled on the ensuing possession. She sank the free throw to put the River Hawks up 67-63 with 22 seconds left. That was enough to seal the win.

"We got lucky, (Polce) could have made that shot. It was not a good day for us," said Behn. "But we got the win and that's really all that matters."

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